Tips for Getting the Most from the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
As a lifelong Nintendo fan and avid Switch gamer, I‘ve been eagerly awaiting the Expansion Pack since it was announced. For $50 annually, this premium service builds on the base Nintendo Switch Online subscription to offer a catalog of classic N64 and Genesis games, plus Happy Home Paradise DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and the Booster Course Pass adding 48 remastered tracks to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
What‘s Included in the Expansion Pack?
Here‘s a full breakdown of the main benefits included with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
Nintendo 64 Games
- Super Mario 64
- Mario Kart 64
- Starfox 64
- Yoshi‘s Story
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Sega Genesis Games
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
- Streets of Rage 2
- Ecco the Dolphin
Happy Home Paradise DLC for Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Design vacation homes for island villagers
- Unlock new design techniques, items, and customization options
Booster Course Pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- 48 remastered tracks released in 6 waves through 2023
- Classic courses from previous Mario Kart games
Game Library Comparison
| Nintendo Switch Online | Expansion Pack | |
|---|---|---|
| NES Games | 104 | 104 |
| SNES Games | 50 | 50 |
| N64 Games | 0 | 9 |
| Genesis Games | 0 | 7 |
As you can see, the Expansion Pack adds a limited but coveted selection of N64 and Genesis games. Let‘s analyze whether it‘s worth the price.
Is the Expansion Pack Worth It?
At $30 for an individual or $35 for a family plan, the regular Nintendo Switch Online service already offers solid value with online play, cloud backups, access to NES and SNES titles, and exclusive offers. However, here‘s why I think the Expansion Pack is worth upgrading for devoted retro gamers:
You Can Play Iconic N64 Classics
For ‘90s kids like me who grew up with the N64, it‘s a dream to replay legendary 3D platformers like Super Mario 64 and adventure epics like Ocarina of Time on the Switch. These were groundbreaking, genre-defining games, and they hold up remarkably well.
It Opens Up New Content in Animal Crossing and Mario Kart
I‘ve already sunk over 200 hours into New Horizons, so I‘m thrilled to design vacation homes and add new design options with the Happy Home Paradise DLC. And as a dedicated Mario Kart 8 Deluxe player, gaining courses from previous games via the Booster Course Pass will add tons of variety and nostalgia.
The Games Library Will Expand
In their latest financial briefing, Nintendo stated they plan to continue adding more N64, Genesis, and other classic games to the Expansion Pack over time. So even if the current selection feels limited, the library could look very different in another year or two if you stay subscribed.
Based on the quality of the N64 games included so far, the additional DLC that enhances Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing immensely, and the promise of more classics to come, I believe the Expansion Pack delivers strong value, especially for Nintendo fans caught up in nostalgia.
Tips to Save Money on the Expansion Pack
While $50 annually for access to nostalgic classics and substantial DLC is reasonable in my opinion, here are some ways to reduce the cost if needed:
Share a Family Plan
Up to 8 Nintendo accounts can join a family plan for $79.99 yearly. If you split with enough people, it comes out to only around $10 per person!
Watch for Discounts and Free Trial Promotions
Occasionally Nintendo offers deals like 25-30% off a yearly Individual or Family plan. It‘s also possible there could eventually be a free 7-day trial promotion to test it out.
Coordinate Game Downloads with Group
Since only N64/Genesis games you‘ve downloaded can be played offline, coordinate which ones each person adds to their console if sharing a family plan.
Set Reminders to Cancel
If you want to only subscribe for 1-2 months to try certain games, set calendar reminders to avoid forgetting and being charged again.
Maximize Your Subscription Value
To fully enjoy the Expansion Pack benefits, be sure to:
🔹 Download and play all the classics you‘re nostalgic for
🔹 Check back for new N64/Genesis game additions
🔹 Add the Happy Home Paradise DLC and experience the new design features
🔹 Access every wave of courses in the Booster Course Pass
Gamers who revisit the service frequently and dive deep into its offerings will get the most entertainment for their money.
What‘s Next for Nintendo Switch Online?
While I‘m thrilled with the Expansion Pack so far, I hope to see additional legacy systems like Game Boy and GameCube integrated soon with more classics like Pokemon and Super Mario Sunshine. And it would be a dream if multiplayer experiences like Mario Party could be playable online.
As one of over 32 million continuing subscribers, I‘m optimistic Nintendo will keep enhancing Online offerings with expansions like this premium tier. We may only be seeing the beginning of a Netflix-style catalog of cherished Nintendo games accessible anytime on Switch!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Enjoy the classics!
